More than 300 cases of the swine flu have been confirmed in West Virginia, according to state health officials. Twenty-one people have been hospitalized, but none of them have died.
To protect against the swine flu, people will have to receive not only get their seasonal flu shot, but also two additional shots.
Jeff Neccuzi of the state Division of Immunization says it’s important for people to realize they need the vaccine.
“When you take a flu shot, you’re not only doing it for yourself, you’re doing it for everyone around you, particularly the very young,” Neccuzi said.
The swine flu has many of the same symptoms as the seasonal flu and requires a test to diagnose.
Vaccines are not available yet. The swine flu vaccinations should be available by October.
Health officials also recommend getting a seasonal flu shot which should be available in September.
Neccuzi says in each state, health departments will take care of distributing the vaccine.
“Because the vaccine will not be available commercially, public health will be able to control the distribution of the vaccine to not only public health clinics throughout the state, but also to the private provider community,” Neccuzi said.
According to Neccuzi, the first people to receive the vaccine will be pregnant mothers, persons from 6 months old to 24 years old, caregivers for children under 6 months, healthcare and medical services personnel and persons with chronic health conditions.
According to Elizabeth Ayers of the Cabell Huntington Health Department, the latest figures show 14 confirmed cases of the swine flu in Cabell County.
Ayers says the county is bracing to give more shots than ever before because of increased awareness.
“I had someone tell me yesterday that I’ve never gotten a seasonal flu shot, but now I’m going to because of the swine flu that’s come about,” she said. “So I think it’s making people more proactive and wanting to get out there and protect themselves and family members,” Ayers said.
Ayers says they’re just waiting to find out when they will receive the vaccine from the state.
The vaccine will be paid for by the federal government.